Who knew a kidney stone would be an aspect of technology I would be introduced to during this class?! The x-rays and CT scan, in addition to lithotripsy are just a few of the technologies I have seen in the past couple of weeks. While I have no fascination with medicine or things that God never intended for us to see (inside ourselves), the technology was awesome. The pinpoint accuracy in locating something as small as a 5 mm stone deep inside the body is absolutely amazing. Add that to the fact that the lithotripsy broke the stone (after 300 hits)....wow! This is one of the advantages of technology but it can also be a part of the detriment as well.

After watching the video about TJMaxx, I am a bit skeptical about using the debit card and when I think about the times the card was scanned more than once, I begin to have trouble trusting the use of the card. Maybe 'Big Brother' is watching but what is he doing with the information? It makes me think of the Aflac commercial that has Yogi Berra saying "they pay you in cash which is just as good as money". How do consumers know when the companies from which we make purchases, have spent the money and time to employ the best encryption methods so that our information is safe? What safety measures are in place so that when employees who have access leave the company, the information stays out of the hands of others?

It seems to be a lot like relationships with others...at what point do we begin to trust? How much do we share in case the relationship doesn't work out? Being aware of the people or companies with which we share information, and their track records, not providing information such as social security numbers and checking credit reports frequently, would be a good place to start.

The technology we have learned about in this class has been enlightening (not to mention fun) and as leaders, it is important that we know how to keep information safe, what steps need to be taken to ensure medical records are kept for diagnosis and treatment, shopping records should be kept for supplying merchandise, bank records are kept for paying bills and making purchases, and other information kept for the purposes for which they are intended. Everything in life comes with an element of risk and possibly surprise but knowledge is power.

The technology I have worked with in this class has been great! I am a bit more adventureous and want to see "what happens if I do this..." It has been amazing that the computer is still working and doing what I ask it to do! I think the most fun I have had with a new skill was working with the 5th graders and making their movies! At the 5th grade recognition (graduation) several students mentioned their movie. Who knows, I may perfect movie making in time to make a movie of my daughter's wedding....NOT!